Letter to the editor - Rice - March 4, 2009

Isn't it so nice we have transparent local government?

In the Feb. 25 edition of the Arenac County Independent, a notice said a budget meeting would be held at the Arenac Township Hall on Feb. 27, 10 a.m. Anyone interested in viewing the budget could do so by appointment. The morning of the 26th, at 9 a.m., I called the Township Clerk and indicated that I would like to make an appointment to view the budget, who said not on that day, she was on her way out. That was okay!

But I went over to the hall 45 minutes later and was copying information that was posted on the doors, and what do you think happened? The Township Board arrived and was having the budget meeting. Not one word about the meeting or that I could review the budget if I came early. Yes, I did attend the meeting; my wife and I were the two people present – a "Public Meeting" without notice. I bet my socks that this will be another “clerical error.” Why does it look like “hiding”? The fact that I spoke to the clerk one hour prior to the meeting leads me to wonder. Next regular meeting is March 5, at 7 p.m. Please feel free to attend; it is a PUBLIC meeting.